In the past few years, Google has been working strongly to build products that allow phones, laptops, TVs, and cars to work better together, irrespective of their brands. With that aim, Google announced some features at CES 2023 that can make Android work seamlessly on multiple products. These features aren’t new but Google announced them with an improved reach allowing you to set up your Bluetooth and smart home devices with utmost ease, switch between them, transfer content, and do a lot more.
Here are 7 Android features that allow multiple devices to work together in a better way.
New Android features
1. Nearby Share on more devices
Debuted in 2020, Nearby Share offers a super quick way for Android users to share files, photos, documents, and other content. Google says Nearby Share is now available on around 3 billion devices. The new update offers a faster way to share files to your Android devices with Nearby Share. Interestingly, the devices where you’ve logged in with your Google account will accept your transfers automatically. You can use Nearby Share on Android phones & tablets and ChromeOS devices.
2. Find & connect Nearby devices with Fast Pair
Google says that Fast Pair has also sped up the setup process for pairing devices, which now includes more than 300 headphone models from brands like JBL, Beats,
OnePlus, and Sony. Moreover, Fast Pair on Android is also compatible with Matter. It means you use your phone to connect smart home devices to your network. Furthermore, the tech giant is working with renowned brands like Tuya, Phillips Hue, Eve Systems, and Nanoleaf to deliver powerful Matter-enabled experiences.
Also Read: Must-have Google Home Compatible Devices in 2023
3. Wear OS on more smartwatches
Wear OS, Google’s OS for smartwatches had a bumpy start. However, things completely turned around with the launch of Wear OS 3 in 2021. The latest version allows you to do much more with your devices. For instance, you can use the Camera app to level up your selfies on
Pixel phones or use the Google Home app to control your compatible smart home devices. Moreover, you can ask Google Assistant on Wear OS to play your favorite Spotify tracks and track your workout. Google now offers an expansive lineup of smartwatches with Wear OS, including the Pixel Watch, Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series.
4. Switch between your laptop and phone with Phone Hub
You can seamlessly switch between your Chromebook and Android phone to work without losing your focus. Phone Hub in ChromeOS gives you the freedom to respond to your Android phone’s notifications from messaging apps directly from your laptop. Therefore, you don’t have to switch back and forth between your laptop and phone. In addition, the latest Chromebooks can help you do a lot more with your Android phones like sending files with Nearby Share, connecting to saved Wi-Fi networks, and browsing photos from your phone’s camera roll.
You’ll find these and more features on ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip, HP Dragonfly Pro, and other Chromebooks announced at CES 2023.
Also Read: Best Smart Coffee Makers of 2023
5. More audio & video apps support Cast
Casting is one of the most used and loved features of Android. It offers an inexpensive and handy way to bring online entertainment to your big screen. Google now offers 3000+ supported audio and video apps so you can cast entertainment from your phone to your TV, smart speaker, or soundbar.
6. Android Auto on cars
Android Auto has gone through a lot of revamps in the last few years. The newly launched design brings easier viewing and access to media, navigation, and other Android phone experiences to your car’s display.
Moreover, seven Automobile brands offer cars with Google built-in. The list includes the new Honda Accord & upcoming electric SUV Volvo EX90. These cars have direct integration with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and other Google Play apps. It gives you the liberty to control the car temperature with just your voice and turn ON the thermostat from your car before you get home.
7. Your phone can work as a Google TV remote
Nothing can beat that big-screen experience. Now, Google is all set to make that experience more convenient and enjoyable. With the Google TV app, you can cast your favorite shows & movies from your phone or tablet to a
compatible TV with a single tap. Even better, you can easily turn your Android phone into a TV remote control on an AndroidTV OS device. In short, you can browse content, add a movie to your watchlist, and do much more with your phone, without having to search for the TV remote.
Also Read: List of Matter-ready Smart Home Devices